gigimac
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33353
posted
My mom is in the hospital with sepsis that probably came from the boil on her back becoming infected.
When I went to visit her today I was told to put on a gown over clothes and wear gloves.
I was told she tested positive for mrsa. I think they said it was the nasal swab and not the wound that tested positive for mrsa.I am concerned that she could be contagious. I read online that it can be airborne but it's rare.
I always thought mrsa was something that involved wounds, not something you could just catch like a cold.
I hate to be like this but with being sick with lyme and feeling unwell, if I get sick there isn't really anyone left to watch my son Posts: 1534 | From Greensboro NC | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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- The gown and gloves are prevent the germ from getting onto your clothing or hands and being spread that way --
and for your clothing or hands to not bring in any other infection and leave it on the textiles or a person with you hug them, etc.
If you have long hair, pull that away from your face. And don't touch faces when you hug your Mom. But DO still hug her - or squeeze her hand, etc. She still needs touch as long as you are both protected.
As for air borne, if you mean by coughing, if a person has a systemic MSRA infection that is affecting their respiratory system, it's best to wear face masks when around them until it's under control. It could be airborne, then, I think - but you'd want to check on that.
Sounds like the MSRA is limited to skin for your mother. And, so sorry to hear that.
But mostly, it's carried on clothing, skin and hard or soft surfaces. That's not really airborne but by direct and indirect CONTACT. It is extremely able to infect others that way.
Be careful of your purse, or other things you take into the room and set down, etc. But we have to be careful, anyway as MSRA can be all around us.
When you get home, carefully roll your clothes inside out and wash them. Shower, etc. This will help from you spreading potentially dangerous germs after being in a hospital.
Your mother may have contracted this in the hospital. I sure hope she gets the help she needs and that it clears up quickly.
Is MRSA Contagious? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Google: Allicin, MRSA -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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sammy
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Member # 13952
posted
It would only be in the air if someone had a lung infection and was coughing. Or if they sneezed with a nose infection. These things make droplets go airborne.
Usually if people have a wound infection the germs stay in the wound. Unless someone did not follow contact precautions and contaminated the room's surfaces.
With this type of infection in the wound you have to follow "contact precautions" as you have described. Gown, gloves, often a mask. It is for your protection. So you don't come in physical contact with any contaminated surfaces in your mom's room.
It is good that they identified the source of your mom's infection so that they can treat it properly right away.
When you are in the hospital, be aware of your hands. Don't touch things unless you have to. Especially don't touch your face. Before you eat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, scrub to get the germs off. Alcohol hand sanitizer does not kill c.diff spores (from other patients rooms). So you must wash. When you get home from the hospital wash you hands.
You may also bring some prepackaged cleansing wipes for your mom to keep near her bed to wash her hands with after personal care and before eating. This will help prevent new infections while her immune system is down.
The hospital staff will be extra diligent about hand washing since your mom is in contact isolation for the MRSA. This is a good thing. It will make them wash their hands. This is good for your mom and all the other patients on the floor.
Since your mom has an open sore on her back (and I don't know how debilitated she is), make sure that she is being turned and repositioned frequently to prevent pressure sores from being immobile in bed too long.
Make sure that she is eating so that she can heal. Her body needs extra protein, lots of fruits and veggies right now. If she can't eat then she may need some supplements like Ensure added. If she doesn't like the hospital food you might consider requesting or bringing in some healthy snacks for her.
Hope she starts healing and gets well soon.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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Excitotoxins; MSG; Aspartame; & "Natural" Flavors -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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gigimac
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33353
posted
They didn't make me or even provide a face mask so maybe they aren't concerned about it being airborne?
She was coughing but they said that it was from a build up of some kind of acid that is trying to escape through her lungs.
I have washed thoroughly but should clean my purse and wash clothes.
My mom isn't eating and they haven't offered her food. I will be back in contact with them because she hasn't eaten in days from being so ill.
Thanks so much for the responses!!!
Posts: 1534 | From Greensboro NC | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Can you take her fresh veggie juices.
HEMP protein powder or a good WHEY protein powder.
Green powders.
FISH OIL
A nutrition store or natural foods market can help. Call first and talk with their wellness person for suggestions. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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nonna05
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posted
that came out wrong and i couldn't get it to edit..a lot more involved with my mother
Posts: 2563 | From Denver,CO | Registered: Aug 2011
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Hi gigimac,
Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking and praying for you and your mother today.
Don't worry about the mask. If it wasn't on the cart outside her hospital door, and you weren't advised to wear it on the sign on her door then it must not be necessary in her case. Hospitals are very strict with their isolation precautions. They will tell you what's needed in this case.
Did your mom live with you? Or on her own? If she lived on her own you may think about helping her by cleaning her house well with bleach/chlorox wipes before bringing her home. You may also was her linens, towels, and clothes. This will help prevent accidental reinfection.
I know that this is terribly hard for you right now. My mom has had major surgeries (knee replacement then throat & sinus surgery) while I've been sick with Lyme. I really couldn't bear all the extra responsibilities that my family put on me at that time. All I could do was take care of my mom, try to take care of myself, and do what little extra I could. It was extremely difficult but we did make it through.
Hugs gigimac, hope you can go love on and encourage your mom today.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I'm so sorry your mom is having such a difficult time. Sending healing prayers for you both!
Posts: 677 | From Virginia | Registered: Sep 2002
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AuntyLynn
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Member # 35938
posted
Can you bring some yogurt or kefir to tempt her appetite? It's digestible, and would help prevent a yeast infection, or worse, since they are undoubtedly giving her some kick butt antibiotics!
Prayers for your Mom, and for you!
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
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gigimac
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33353
posted
She is getting better but her cough has come back and is almost constant, I find it very concerning. I hope they find the cause. She should be moving out of ICU tomorrow.
Yes it was hard taking her to hospital and staying for hrs and hrs while I was feeling ill but I love my mom and would do anything I could for her.
Under normal circumstances I loathe going to dr offices and hospitals cause I am so afraid of getting sick but I am trying to get over that and just be as cautious as possible.
They won't let me bring anything into icu for her but i will get her on probiotics as soon as possible. They have given her vancomycin, levaquin, zosyn, piperacillin and probably others that i don't know of so probiotics will be essential!!!
Thanks for all the reponses, tips and prayers everyone!! It is very much appreciated!
Posts: 1534 | From Greensboro NC | Registered: Aug 2011
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